Living

JMS

Welcome to JMS LIVING, our newsletter dedicated to simplifying your life through shared insights and inspiration spanning design, fashion, travel, and much more!

Ashley Yost Sukkau 8/14/25 Ashley Yost Sukkau 8/14/25

Making Vintage Feel Right At Home

There’s something special about a home that feels collected. Vintage pieces have a soul. When you mix them into your home, you instantly add warmth and personality that no ordinary store can replicate.

All Images Sourced From: www.unsplash.com

I'm dedicating this JMS Living post to the queen of vintage herself ... my mom.

My mom taught me the art of mixing vintage and the beauty in how special each piece is. Every find should make you smile, and you should always be on the hunt because you never know what gem is waiting for you!

If the idea of blending old and new feels intimidating, don’t worry. Here are my favourite tips for making vintage pieces feel thoughtful in your space.

Vintage Brass Candlesticks — SMALL STEPS, BIG IMPACT

If you’re new to vintage, dip your toes in with a statement piece instead of a full room makeover.
Here are some examples to inspire you:
A beautifully aged wooden bowl on your kitchen counter
A vintage lamp that adds sculptural interest
A quirky brass candlestick that catches the light just right

Vintage Home Decor Statement Pieces — CURATED NOT COORDINATED

The secret to that “effortlessly collected” look is contrast. Pair sleek modern furniture with a timeworn vintage coffee table, or tuck a velvet vintage chair into a crisp white office. The mix of textures and warmth keeps your home looking pulled together, while each vintage piece gets a moment to shine.

Mix and Match Vintage and Modern Home Decor — FORM & FLOW

You can get away with almost any style combo if the shapes and sizes balance. For example, a chunky farmhouse dining table looks stunning under a clean-lined modern chandelier. It’s all about the silhouette and how the pieces talk to each other, even if they come from completely different decades.

PATINA IS THE STAR

The beauty of vintage is its imperfections: scratches, dents, and worn leather. When you lean into the charm of patina, your home instantly feels warmer and more lived-in. Pair a weathered vintage console with white walls and modern art for that perfect elevated but effortless vibe.

Vintage Record Player — CREATE A “WHERE DID YOU GET THAT?!” PIECE

Every home needs a piece that makes people say, “Where did you get that?!” Maybe it’s a bold ceramic lamp from the ’60s or a chair you found and love reupholstered in funky fabric. Vintage shopping is like a treasure hunt ... when you find a piece that sparks joy, let it shine.

MAKE IT YOURS

Sometimes vintage needs a little refresh to feel personalized. A coat of matte paint, new hardware, or updated upholstery can completely transform an old piece while keeping its character intact.

My mom's motto? If it's not white yet, it will be. She's got every shade ready to transform the next piece that comes home with her.

THE GRAND FINALE

The best vintage finds usually happen when you’re not looking for them. Pop into flea markets, antique shops, or even scroll through online marketplaces for those special pieces. Building a collected home takes time, and that’s the fun part. Vintage pieces are conversation starters, memory makers, and the secret sauce to a home that feels personalized. When you mix the old with the new, you create a space that’s uniquely yours .. It’s a vibe!

I'm excited to see what finds and vintage magic make their way into your space!

ASHLEY XO

LOOK HOW WE INCORPORATED SOME VINTAGE PIECES INTO OUR CLIENT’S HOME

Mount Pleasant Townhouse Renovation

Our clients wanted a fresh look for their townhouse that reflected their style—a mix of vintage, modern, and heirloom pieces passed down from their grandparents.

THE ASK:

Our clients wanted a fresh look for their townhouse that reflected their style—a mix of vintage, modern, and heirloom pieces passed down from their grandparents.

THE APPROACH:

The staircase was a focal point in the main living space but lacked any personality or “wow” factor, and the fireplace was dated and off-center. We used custom millwork to update the space and centred the fireplace. Because the staircase was one of our favourite spaces in the home that gets plenty of natural light, we gave it a crisp white wall, black banister for contrast, carpet runner, and art to make it feel extra special.

Sourcing furniture was a fun collaboration with the client. We reupholstered chairs from their grandparents and added local ceramics and lots of texture to make the living space feel refreshed and cozy.

We leaned into the moody vibe for the powder room, and colour drenched the entire space. The lighting was the jewelry in the room, and we showcased it above the toilet for added interest. We used a tile with a subtle shimmering mica for contrast against a charcoal backing—every element of this room is a conversation piece.

The clients needed a larger ensuite, so we removed the linen closet in the hallway and extended the shower to double the existing size. We wanted this space to feel like their own little oasis, so we used a light colour palette, black accents, and a vanity with storage options above the toilet.

The bedroom had a unique slanted ceiling and a back wall with openings that disrupted the flow. We covered the openings with millwork to add texture and interest. The goal with the bed was to find something comfortable, cozy, and functional with additional storage space—we’re always looking for ways to maximize storage for our clients, especially those who live in urban homes with limited storage!